New York's KPF Reveals Design for Dubai's Mountain-Inspired The Cliff

Celebrating their inaugural joint venture, Dubai-based Abu Ghazaleh Investments (AGI) and the UAE’s leading contractor Palace Group have appointed acclaimed New York architects Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) to design their debut project along Dubai’s Water Canal: The Cliffs. 

“Together with our partners at Palace Group, we set out to make a transformative investment in the region and elevate the Dubai Water Canal to new heights of luxury,” Amir Abu Ghazaleh, chairman and founder of AGI, tells SceneHome. “We look forward to our continued, trusted collaboration with KPF to bring our vision to fruition.” 

Planned to be erected on the southern shores of the Jumeirah island, The Cliffs’ design takes inspiration from the rock formation in the Arabian desert. Shaped like two peaking mountains, The Cliffs’s design features two staggered towers connected by a multi-level podium at the base that holds different amenities from the parking areas, to cultural attractions and event spaces.

“Our mission was to create an urban oasis, a bespoke living experience steeped in wellness and leisure, a sought-after destination comprised of timeless architecture that would be a landmark for the city,” Hana Kassem, principal at KPF, tells SceneHome. 

The long, soft horizontal lines of the façade stack the luxury units, interspersed with spacious balconies and lush greenery in a jagged formation that evokes millennia of elemental erosion. Meanwhile, the warm earthy tones of the structure and the floor-to-ceiling glazed windows reflect the sunlight, shimmering like a mirage in the sandy desert. 

Designed to offer sweeping views of the Dubai Water Canal and Safa Park, each unit features ceiling-high windows and private terraces that extend the living space outdoors, blending indoor comfort with surrounding natural beauty. 

Spanning over 185,339 sq. ft., the development will house a collection of luxury residences integrated with wellness services and a 250,000 sq. ft. of curated landscaped gardens, providing a tranquil living experience amid the city's bustle. 

“We remain committed to setting new benchmarks for luxury residences in Dubai. Through our strategic appointments, the AGI Palace Group partnership is poised to deliver architectural and design excellence.” Wissam Damaa, founder and CEO of Palace Group, says. 

Photography Credit: Atchain